West Dunbartonshire residents have been urged to ‘stick with it’ in the fight against Coronavirus following confirmation that the area will be subject to Level 3 restrictions under Scotland’s new 5-Level Covid-19 alert system.
Local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes MP welcomed the news that West Dunbartonshire has avoided the strictest Level 4 restrictions, thanking local residents for playing their part in helping to keep the spread of Coronavirus under control.
The latest Covid-19 statistics for West Dunbartonshire published by Public Health Scotland show encouraging signs of progress in slowing the rate of increase in new cases. The current 7 day rate of positive cases in the local authority area is at 194.5 per 100,000 people, down from a high of 232 cases per 100,000 during the week 10th-16th October.
The level of restrictions for each local authority has been decided broadly based on five key indicators – cases per 100,000, case forecast per 100,000, test positivity, hospital forecast, and ICU forecast – to ensure a proportionate approach to tackling the virus and protecting NHS services.
Under the new Level 3 restrictions, which come into effect from 6am on Monday 2nd November, residents will continue to be unable to visit each other’s homes. However, two different households can continue to meet outdoors and in hospitality settings in groups of no more than six people.
Hospitality venues including restaurants, cafes, bars and public houses will be permitted to open until 6pm, though no alcohol can be served at this time.
Schools and nurseries will remain open and informal childcare and other essential care is permitted in line with household and group size restrictions.
The full restrictions for West Dunbartonshire and each of Scotland’s council areas is available here: www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/
The position in each local authority will be reviewed on a weekly basis, with council areas expected to move up or down each level of restrictions depending on the progress in suppressing the virus.
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“These new measures continue to be tough, but it’s encouraging to see signs that the rates of increase in Covid-19 are slowing in West Dunbartonshire and it’s important we build on that progress. Our 7 day positive rate this week is at 190 cases per 100,000, down from a high of 232 cases per 100,000 earlier this month.
“That is thanks to everyone who has been working hard to stick to the public health guidance and means West Dunbartonshire has been able to avoid the severest restrictions when the new Level 3 measures come into effect from Monday 2nd November.
“These measures aim to take a proportionate and targeted approach to tackling the greatest public health crisis of our lifetimes. Nobody wants to see these restrictions in place longer than necessary, but if the virus is allowed to spiral out of control over winter the consequences for our health service and economy would be devastating.
“Please remember by sticking with the rules and doing all you can to limit transmission of the virus you’re helping to protect the NHS and save lives.”
